Thursday, January 13, 2023, and my cancer treatments have been delayed again because of insurance issues. I have a 20-page log that documents my struggles, and this was the first entry, dated October, 2021:
“I have had several above-normal PSA readings while under the care of my primary care physician. He was not overly concerned until recently and suggested that I get an MRI and it was conducted on 10/15/2021. I have a copy of the MRI report. After the MRI report, my primary care physician suggested I see a Urologist. I have had problems getting an appointment with a Urologist of my choosing because of Medical Insurance issues. Most doctors I contacted do not accept my insurance.”
Here is one of the many things I have learned: You do not choose your doctors, insurance companies do!!
After a biopsy on October 13th, 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer.
So, I have applied for treatment at UFHealth Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) in Jacksonville, Florida. After a lot of paperwork, email, and telephone calls, I spent two days at UFPTI for my initial consultation. Here is my log entry:
“Tuesday, December 27th, 2022
1130 – Nancy and I are in Jacksonville Fl. at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for my consultation. We met with a Financial Counselor, had blood taken for lab work, and met — (the nurse and the radiation oncologist that will be involved in my treatment). He gave me his cell phone number!! We also spent some time looking at other places recommended by UF for an extended stay. We decided that Third & Main was my best option. During my meeting with (the nurse), I gave her the MRI and PET scan CD with their written reports. (from the lab in Vero Beach)“
Yesterday we learned that UFPTI cannot offer treatment because of insurance issues.
ANOTHER DELAY!!##*$#
(to be continued)
2 Comments
I had no idea, Don! The insurance delay is unbelievable & so wrong! Can this place in Jacksonville help you straighten out your insurance issue! There must be an advocate there that will explain why this insurance issue must be solved!
The people at the UFHealth Proton Therapy Institute have been very helpful. They met with me for the original consultation and I have met with the doctor who will be in charge of my treatment. I’ve met with the nurse who will be my case worker. The institute has gone ahead with some preliminary lab work. And all of this without knowing the status of my insurance. Everyone is hopeful that February 1st will end my insurance problems. Just to be sure, Nancy and I are seeking legal advice.
I wanted this blog to focus on my stay and Jacksonville but it has been corrupted by my insurance issues.
PS – The Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, would not even talk to me when they learned about my insurance plan.